Looking for an autumn escape? One pretty city has a magical air at this time of year and it’s been voted the best place to live in the world.
Bursting with Baroque architecture and exuding elegance and charm, Vienna is home to world-class art galleries, fascinating museums, cosmopolitan street life and a buzzing night scene.
The Austrian capital has claimed the top spot in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index for the third year in a row, crowning it the very best place to live in Europe.
Based on 30 different factors across five broad categories including stability, healthcare, education, culture and environment, and infrastructure, the EIU’s Global Liveability Index evaluates the overall quality of life in a city.
With pristine streets, historic buildings, a rich cultural scene and some of the lowest crime rates in Europe, Vienna is not just a great place to live, it’s also an excellent destination for an autumn city break.
According to data gathered by investigating website, Insider Monkey, Vienna is one of the most walkable cities in the world.
Citing walkability rankings and scores from various sources including Tourlane and WalkScore, they conclude that ‘The City of Music’ is perfect for travellers who like to explore on foot.
It can take as little as 20 minutes to wander between the main tourist attractions with most of the area now fully pedestrianised.
Landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are within walking distance as well, with a maximum distance of seven miles between the top five attractions.
The birthplace of Schubert and home to Beethoven, the city has a rich musical heritage, The Vienna State Opera, along with two other renowned opera houses, are some of the city’s most visited attractions.
But it’s not old composers and ancient architecture, in the MuseumsQuartier visitors will find a vibrant cultural district filled with galleries, shops, and trendy restaurants.
The city is famous for its many coffee houses and cafes, where incredible cakes, tortes and steaming hot coffee are served with a side of people watching in the main squares.
Vienna has a thriving wine scene with tine taverns offering the opportunity to taste the wares of the hundreds of vineyards that surround the city.
Of course, Vienna is also home to some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the world. While they don’t open to the public until December, the city sparkles during the festive season, making it an incredible time to visit.
If your feet get too tired, the public transport system is reliable and easy to use.